The Chicago Bears couldn't get much going offensively on "Monday Night Football," dropping an NFC North matchup in favor of the Minnesota Vikings 30-12 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
After trailing 13-0 at halftime, Chicago proceeded to shoot themselves in the foot to wipe out momentum after running back D'Andre Swift scored a rushing touchdown to potentially bring it within one score.
However, the score was nullified after offensive lineman Doug Kramer Jr. failed to register himself to a referee upon taking the field, as he lined up in the fullback position to block for Swift.
After a one-yard rush, another penalty and two incomplete passes, the Bears instead instead settled for a 29-yard field goal from Cairo Santos to make it 13-3 Vikings.
It was the first time the Bears had been able to put points on the board despite being unsuccessful in converting on third down up to that point. Chicago finished the game 1-for-12 on third down conversions and 1-for-3 on fourth down.
The Vikings would stretch the lead out further via an Aaron Jones touchdown rush to make it 20-3 entering the fourth quarter, as the Bears wouldn't get closer than 14 points following another field goal from Santos early in the fourth.
The Vikings would score another rushing touchdown, this time from Cam Akers, to put Minnesota up 27-6 with 10:14 remaining in the game.
Caleb Williams finally was able to guide the Bears down the field and score a touchdown, throwing a 16-yard pass to Keenan Allen to pull the Bears within 15 with 5:19 left in the game.
Williams finished the game completing 18-of-31 passes for 191 yards and a score. D'Andre Swift, who had struggled in the first half, improved the Bears' rushing attack slightly in the second half, finishing with 19 carries for 79 yards. Allen was Williams' top target, hauling in 6-of-13 targets for 82 yards and a touchdown.
DJ Moore also snagged all eight of his targets for 46 yards in the contest.
The Bears (4-10) have three games remaining in the 2024 season, as they'll look to put an and to their eight-game losing streak before it concedes. Their next chance will come against the Detroit Lions (12-2) at Soldier Field on Sunday at noon CT.
